5 NFL teams that must win in Week 15

LOS ANGELES, CA - DECEMBER 08: Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Nsimba Webster (14) returns a kickoff during the NFL game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Los Angeles Rams on December 08, 2019, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

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OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 08: Jonnu Smith #81 of the Tennessee Titans celebrates with Tajae Sharpe #19 after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Oakland Raiders at RingCentral Coliseum on December 08, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

3. Tennessee Titans

Don’t look now, but the Tennessee Titans are a legitimate playoff threat in the AFC. Ever since head coach Mike Vrabel switched from Marcus Mariota to Ryan Tannehill at quarterback, the Titans have looked like a completely football team.

Since Tannehill took over as the starter in Week 7, the Titans have gone 6-1, with the only loss coming in Carolina. Derrick Henry has also continued his trend of coming on strong late in the season, racking up four straight 100 yard games for the Titans.

This hot play has allowed the Titans to climb into a first place tie in the AFC South with the Houston Texans, who they play at home this week. This is the first meeting of the year between the squads, with the rematch coming in Houston two weeks later.

The fact that this game is at home makes it even more important for the Titans to secure the win than the Texans. Tennessee also has a much tougher opponent looming in Week 16 with the New Orleans Saints coming to town while the Texans take on Tampa Bay.

A loss here could put the Titans at risk of being eliminated from the division race before the rematch in Houston. That added element of desperation makes it imperative for the Titans to defend their home field and pick up the victory.

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